Larry only permanently moved to small forward when Kevin McHale became so good that coach K.C. Jones had to put them together in the starting lineup. Along with Robert Parish, the three formed one of the most imposing and dominant front courts in NBA history.
Naming Larry as the greatest small forward ever wasn’t the only time MJ showed respect to the Celtics legend. Michael also defended Bird’s inclusion in the Dream Team for the 1992 Olympics after critics said he was merely a sentimental pick.
Larry wasn’t the most athletically gifted player ever. But what he lacked in physical attributes, the legendary forward made up for in grit, hard work, basketball IQ, and the uncanny ability to make shots. And when it came to winning, Bird was as good as the names people would put in front of him in the greatest of all-time debate. Even the man many people call the GOAT agrees with that.
That said, LeBron has won four NBA titles, four MVPs, and countless other individual accolades since Jordan said Bird was the better player. Even though “His Airness” tends to favor guys from his era when making head-to-head comparisons, James’ NBA run would at least force Michael to reconsider his stance.
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